Northrop Grumman's Common Link Integration Processing System Ready for Fielding

The Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) system being developed by Northrop Grumman has received Milestone C acquisition approval from the U.S. Air Force leading to the fielding of this software package and providing aircrews with enhanced capabilities to communicate critical tactical information.

CLIP software translates and formats messages and allows existing platforms without a tactical data link, as well as platforms with different data links, to communicate with each other.

The Air Force Electronic Systems Center approved the CLIP Milestone C on March 5. Approval was based on criteria including software maturity, operational assessment, interoperability and supportability, life-cycle affordability and information assurance.